The Doll Box

Reviews / Votes

"Deborah Kelly translated her own heritage into the dolls. She passed
these stories onto her daughter. The book shares family stories fostering 'girl
power' built on generations of self-reliance. Illustrated by Joanna Bartel, the
beautiful end papers and floral designs supplement the story.."
- Reading Time - Children's Book Council of Australia "A
beautiful story of the courage, bravery and strength that echoes through our
lives from those that have gone before us. They are the stories that shape us
and guide us as we grow.





My youngest daughter took
it and asked if she could keep it in her room. That's high praise!"




-Can You Tell Me A Story (via Instagram) "With charming illustrations and a small amount


of text, this story contains a powerful message of bringing the past alive and
the realisation that we are an amalgam of those who went before us."
- Blue Wolf Reviews "We have
been loving this new release book written by Deborah Kelly and illustrated by
Joanna Bartel.





'Whenever Isla's mother
brings out her small blue doll box, Isla knows she will hear the stories of the
women in her family's past. Their incredible tales of immigration, war, and
fighting for their rights show Isla the strength she has in herself and lead
her on a journey of self-discovery"
-All The Mumery (via Instagram 24K followers) "This has CBCA Book of the Year nominee written all over it, and my
review copy will be going to my own granddaughters to not only inspire them but
to remind them never to forget whose shoulders they stand on."
-The Bottom Shelf "Superbly written. An Inspiring story for all
children and adults to reflect on the family members who have come before them.
Kelly and Bartel have created one of the year's most memorable and distinctive
picture books."

-Magpies Magazine "A very beautiful and sweet story about a little
girl who learns how brave and strong her maternal grandmothers were ... this
book will open conversations about our ancestors and about how we can be
inspired by the lives of others. A delightful book on so many levels."
-Maggie Dent (via Instagram 142K followers) "With the present-day interest in family ancestry in
mind, here is a poignant story about three maternal generations of women, their
personal stories of resilience, strength and self-belief in overcoming life
challenges, and a little girl who draws inspiration from these forebears, to
overcome some personal fears.."
- Story Links "A sweet and moving look at five generations of women
in a family and their strength throughout history."
- Novel Insight "A special story about the legacy of brave and strong women and female
empowerment. I love the way @ekbooksforkids publish
these important stories about subjects that matter. Can't wait to see what's
next!."
- Picture Book Book Club "When I picked this book up I thought this is totally something I would
have read when I was a kid, just off the cover alone. I love the back - it says
To girls who are brave and strong, from women who believed. This one definitely
gets a 10 out 10!"
- Reading With A Chance of Tacos podcast "A story about the power within. Isla's small, blue tin, which belonged
to her mother, contains three dolls. They provide a source of comfort to her,
but they also provide Isla with three stories about women from generations
before her. Their stories of immigration, war and the feminist movement show
Isla the strength that the women from her family had, and this reflects in her
own life in the present day."
- Get Kids Booked "Deborah Kelly's stirring story reminds kids aged four to eight that
they are not alone in the world - they are riding on the shoulders of the
daring, diligent and determined family members who have come before them. Ideal
for kids who are reluctant to try things - especially if they've had a negative
experience - The Doll Box will encourage them to look inside
and find the generational resilience"
- Buzz Words Magazine "The Doll Box is a story about the power within. Written by Deborah
Kelly, this reflective narrative, shows kids that courage and determination
will get you far. It also shows that family histories give us a sense of
belonging, and gives us positivity to face our own challenges."
-Get Kids Booked (via Instagram) "Exquisite in every way"
-Kids' Book Review